OPM Launches Powerful FEHB Tool for Customers

Washington, D.C. -- "It" is even better than a house-call from your family doctor because…. it's free.

The "it" is the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's enhanced web site for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program that lets enrollees get online premiums and benefits comparisons of national and local health plans from the convenience of their homes, offices or other convenient locations.

Enhancement of the FEHB web site, which can be accessed at www.opm.gov/insure/health, is part of the Bush Administration's commitment to make federal services "customer-focused." In addition to providing comparisons on premiums, deductibles and benefits, the site gives FEHB enrollees easy access to information on co-pays, Medicare eligibility and health-plan quality ratings.

"Our customers have told us what they want, and we listened," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "As a leader in e-government and consumer-driven health care, we have an obligation to update and enhance the health plan information that is available to the nine million men, women and children who get their health coverage through the FEHB Program."

By simply entering their postal zip code, users of the health benefits web site will immediately receive a list of available local health plans, enabling them to begin their comparison shopping. And as in the past, premium and benefits comparisons can be obtained by entering health-plan names or enrollment codes.

Other information on the FEHB web site includes:

• Electronic versions of plan brochures and the FEHB Program Guides
• A comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions on all aspects of the FEHB Program
• An online version of the FEHB Handbook that offers detailed guidanceon FEHB policies and procedures
• A link for federal retirees to make online open-season changes

"Consumers who make the best decisions about which product or service to buy are those who come armed with timely and accurate information," said James, "and people with decisions to make about something as important as health insurance deserve the best and most complete information available."

Last month, OPM unveiled the Guide to Health Plans and PlanSmartChoice, two online, interactive comparison tools to help federal retirees and their spouses make open season decisions on their health coverage in 2003.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.